The grant is part of the federal Race to the Top initiative and the money is going to the Auburn, Federal Way, Highline, Kent, Renton, Seattle and Tukwila school districts. The districts competed together and drew a unified plan.

The Puget Sound Educational Service District says King County's application was one of 16 winners out of 372 entries. Grants ranged from $5 million to $40 million. King County was one of two to win the $40 million grant. The grant's amount was determined by the number of students.

The U.S. Department of Education says the 16 winners represent 55 school districts across 11 states.